Maple and Vine: Modern Comedy About Retro Re-Enactors

Maple and Vine finds a thoroughly-modern couple opting to eschew 21st-century society to return to the happy days of the mid-20th. Katha and Ryu, a successful but disaffected duo living in New York City, meet a charismatic man from a community of re-enactors who live as though it's perpetually 1955. Deciding to trade their cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties, they discover that it's not so easy to exist authentically in a world stunted by outdated gender, race and sexual attitudes. But they're surprised by what their new neighbors -- and they themselves -- may be willing to give up for a life of ignorant bliss. This well-reviewed comedy by Jordan Harrison receives its SoCal premiere from Cygnet Theatre after a successful Off-Broadway run in New York last season.

Reviews & Ratings

Maple and Vine just did not quite work. The 50's really were like that with pimento cheese and cocktail franks. That era also came with its its own demons. "Duck and Cover" was a common drill in school and many neighbors were digging bomb shelters in their backyards. 2014 finds many of those shelters now holding a good Cabernet.

The ghost-like dream sequences were annoying at the least. Each actor was developed to an extreme portrayal of their character.....often to the detriment of believability. Let's get real. It's 2014, not every male homosexual has a limp wrist and lisp......and a best girlfriend to do each others hair.

The venue is ideal. Every seat is a good seat. This time around, Maple and Vine needs to take a couple of more laps around the block in the editing department. It could work with a few revisions. It does have a story to tell, an important story. While things may seem better "back then" the era came with its own baggage....some Louis Vitton, and some black plastic trash bags.

Overall, we enjoyed the play, the concept of disappearing back into the 50's. So much theater seems to be making this over the top statement about gays...this one was no exception. Rather than a tender scene between two guys they over did the...continued

I loved the theater and the location, my review, is completely about the show itself. It advertised itself as a comedy, however, it seemed kind of Stepford wifeish. Was not prepared for the homosexual or sex scenes, because of that I felt...continued